Texas state representative will renew push to legalize same-sex marriage

A Democratic state representative declared Wednesday that he would revive efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Texas — though he’s not expecting much from the legislature.

State Rep. Lon Burnam of Fort Worth first filed the bill on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, a move that drew praise from gay rights groups across the state. He said he decided to reintroduce the law after the Supreme Court’s two rulings in favor of gay rights Wednesday.

But, Burnam pointed out, his bill “didn’t even get a hearing” after it was introduced.

He admitted Wednesday that the bill’s chances are still “pretty slim.” The Texas Legislature, which has been embroiled this week in a noisy battle over a draconian abortion bill, is deeply conservative, particularly on social issues.

Citing barriers that the bill faced this year, Burnam pointed to “bigotry, ignorance and complacency” in the legislature, which he called more conservative that the general public in Texas.

He said his purpose is to fire up same-sex marriage supporters, even if it takes years — and new state Legislature members — before the state sees political change.

“I think it’s like this: The journey of a thousand miles starts a single step,” he said. “We took that first step Feb. 14. We’re going to start the second step Monday.”

The legislature will meet Monday for a special session, called by Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday after an 13-hour filibuster in the chamber made headlines nationwide and blocked discussion on transportation and juvenile justice legislation.

Wednesday’s rulings were widely seen as a victory for gay-marriage advocates, striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and reinstating same-sex marriage in California.

“The Supreme Court has clearly said [same-sex marriage] is the right thing,” Burnam said. “Whether the Texas Legislature is ready to do the right thing remains the question.”